Saigon is not only busy at daytime but expectedly manic also at nighttime. The most popular area to tourists is around Pham Ngu Lao Street, a great place for those who love inexpensive foodstuff and meeting people. But that’s not the end of it. Saigon has a good amount of bars, clubs and night market with numberless interesting experiences. Check out some noble suggestions from us to have a wonderful night in the city.
Related: Saigon – “Pearl of the Orient”
Rooftop bars
Chill Skybar
Chill Skybar is one of the most exclusive bars in Saigon, the first and original rooftop sky-bar concept in Vietnam. The prices of drink here are considered expensive to most of the Vietnamese people. Located on the 26th & 27th Floor, AB Tower, 76A Le LaiBen Thanh Ward, District 1, the whole bar has two parts: an indoor lounge and an outdoor bar-and-party space. Chill offers you the best night view of the city along with best EDM and hip-hop music theme and incredible sense of entertainment. Come to Chill, you will have a chance to meet a crowd of businessmen, socialites, tourists, ex-pats and wealthy Vietnamese. The bar opens from 17:00 to 2:00.
Add: 26th & 27th Floor, AB Tower, 76A Le LaiBen Thanh Ward, District 1
Tel: 093 882 28 38
Web: http://www.chillsaigon.com/
Alto Heli Bar (EON 51 Heli Bar)
This is the highest place in town; find Alto Heli Bar on the 52nd floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower. Although not exactly on the rooftop, Alto Heli still beat other rooftop bars in height. The place is decorated rather sophisticatedly with charming recessed-lighting, modern metal furniture. Drinks are varied from soda and cocktail to all kinds of wine. Prices are affordable with beer starting from 60,000VND to 90,000VND a glass. However, you might find another speciality offered by Alto not as cheap. The bar indeed has the best view of all and the 50th floor’s Skydeck charges you 200,000 VND just for the view. Opening hours are from 22:00 to 2:00.
Address: 36 Ho Tung Mau, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (08) 6291 8752
Website: http://eon51.com/eon-heli-bar/?lang=vi
Night clubs
Lush
If you are a fan of hip hop, electro and house music, Lush is your place. The club is also the most famous among ex-pats and foreigners in HCMC. Unlike the normal rule of clubbing on Friday and Saturday, Lush has the best Tuesday night for ladies. Ladies’ nights mean that the ladies come here to drink for free. The other thing that made Lush very famous is its western style which brings the uniqueness to Saigon.
Address: 2 Ly Tu Trong, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (08) 3824 2496.
Website: www.lush.vn
Apocalypse Now
We are talking about the legendary nightclub in Saigon, the oldest and also the most famous nightclub, whose theme is inspired by the classic movie about the Vietnam war with the same name. The club covers 2 floors, not really stylish decorated but the atmosphere here is amazing with excellent choices of western pop tunes. The drinks are surprisingly cheap. This bar absolutely is worth your visit.
Address: 2B-C-D ThiSach Street, District 1
Telephone: (+84 8) 3825 6124.
Mail: info@apocalypsesaigon.com
Live music
Hard Rock Café
Hard Rock is the type of place you want to go and enjoy your night after a hard working day with creative drinks, good food, unique atmosphere and best live band music. The decoration stands out with music memorabilia on the walls such as clothes worn by John Lennon, Rod Steward and Jimi Hendrix. Food is varied from tex-mex favourites, barbecue ribs and burgers. The cafe’s surrounding is also convenient and friendly, too.
Opening Hours: weekdays 11:00 – 24:00, weekends 11:00 – 02:00 (Live music from 21:00)
Address: 39 Le Duan street, District 1
Telephone: +84 (0) 8 6291 7595
Sax n’ Art Jazz Club
If you want something different and isolated from the bustling city of Saigon, you might find Sax n’ Art Jazz Club a wonderful place. Come to the club and enjoy the nightly performances by local saxophonist and jazz musicians and the owner of the club Tran Manh Tuan. The music theme is a great combination of contemporary jazz and traditional Vietnamese influences, bringing to the site a pleasant sensation. Opening hours are from 19:00 to 24:00 (live music from 21:00)
Address: 28 Le Loi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (08) 3822 8472.
Website: www.saxnart.com
Classical Music
Opera House
The Opera house of the city is not only a tourist site but also a wonderful choice for classical music. The house is built by French architects dating from 1899 and home to Ho Chi Minh City Ballet, Symphony Orchestra and Opera. Opera house offers high-level performances with state-of-art light and sound effects.
Address: 7 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (08) 3823 7419.
Website: www.hbso.org.vn
Ben Thanh Night Market
The night market is always one of the best things of nightlife in every destination and Saigon is no exception. Ben Thanh night market has been the best choice for shopping lovers. There is a wide variety of goods on offer including clothes, footwear, hats, hair clips, jewellery, watches, gifts etc. the prices are cheaper than day market and you can bargain. The best thing is the food sold here. At least 20 food-stalls selling all kinds of Vietnamese dishes always attract great crowds of diners. Do not miss this chance to see a glimpse of the nightlife of locals.
Address: Ben Thanh Market, Le Loi, District 1
Bia Hoi at Pham Ngu Lao
Just like Hanoi, Saigon also has a “Bia hoi” sanctuary located at Pham Ngu Lao street, District 3. The sight is just the same as in Ta Hien street of the Old Quarter: a road full of backpackers, tourists and locals sitting on hundreds of blue/red plastic stools enjoying their glass of cheap and cool beer. This is also a place where you can easily meet new people and make friends.
Fiona